As with all teachers, those in preschool instruct kids in academic subjects including art, music and science. Because students are ages five and under, they are still in their formative years. So preschool educators must also impart advice about life skills, such as getting along with playmates, standing in line and eating healthy food.

Duties

The primary duty of preschool teachers is to take care of kids so they can eventually enter kindergarten. They plan and implement a curriculum that covers academic development and growth, including motor skills, social interaction and English. Schedules must include time for mental learning, physical activity, nutrition, play and rest. If children show any learning disabilities or emotional disturbances, teachers must inform the child’s parents, and if necessary, their superiors. They must keep record of their students’ progress and may need to supervise teaching assistants.

Work

As of 2010, child daycare services provide about 58 percent of the job opportunities for preschool teachers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other potential employers include religious and civic organizations, and public and private schools. These institutions may have Head Start programs, which the federal government funds for disadvantaged children. A schedule typically runs from the typical school hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a 10-month school year.

Qualifications

State regulations and employers define the requirements for the profession, which can range from a high school education to a college degree. For those with the minimum education, some post-secondary courses in early childhood education are helpful, preferably leading up to a diploma. Work in Head Start specifies at least an associate degree, with half of the states requiring a bachelor’s degree for that program. The undergraduate degree is usually necessary in public schools. Other requirements that vary by state include certification from a national organization, such as the Council for Professional Recognition; work experience in childcare; a background check and immunizations.

Careers

A growing population that will produce more kids will increase jobs for preschool teachers by 25 percent, which is greater than the 14 percent average expected for all occupations. Child daycare services will see 30 percent growth; religious and civic organizations will show 17 percent; and elementary schools will show 12 percent. The best opportunities will go to those with a bachelor’s degree and certification. Useful qualities for the profession include communication skills for explaining lesson to kids and relating student progress to parents and school staff; creativity for coming up with engaging ways to present subjects; and patience for working calmly with the very young who may be impulsive and difficult.

About the Author

Aurelio Locsin has been writing professionally since 1982. He published his first book in 1996 and is a frequent contributor to many online publications, specializing in consumer, business and technical topics. Locsin holds a Bachelor of Arts in scientific and technical communications from the University of Washington.